āØ Patterns That Speak: Building Confidence & Connection with Your Horse
Want to know what YOUR HORSE thinks youāre asking for? How they interpret your cues? Or ā if you use R+ ā what THEY think theyāre being rewarded for?
So often, thereās a gap between what we intend and what they perceive. Itās in that gap where behaviors fall apart, or never end up looking the way we imagined.
Thereās a powerful way to bridge that gap ā working patterns. Not just dressage tests or obstacle courses, but patterns with visual & tactile feedback that help both you and your horse see whatās really going on.
What I Mean by Feedback Patterns
These are setups using physical elements in the arena or on the ground ā poles, mats, cones, barrels, rings (like hula hoops, with safety modifications), targets.
- Poles on the ground help clarify things like step placement, rhythm, and how your cues are being received.
- Mats and targets can give tactile feedback.
- Chalk or paint markers offer visual feedback ā not for the horse necessarily, but incredible for us to see what we aske...
Horses Donāt Do Always - But with +R we increase their number of Yes's!
Ā Ever wonderedĀ why our majestic companions sometimes surprise us with unexpected reactions? It's not because they're trying to be difficult; it's simply their nature to do what they believe serves them best in the moment.
Ā Picture this: a decision-making process ingrained by centuries of survival instincts, where running for their lives was the norm.Ā But, here's the catch - that doesn't always align with what's best for them or us humans.
Ā When your horse throws a curveball, remember: HORSES DON'T DO ALWAYS. And let's face it, as humans, we're not always predictable either.
Ā The magic lies in understanding that we're inviting our equine friends to navigate a world they aren't naturally designed to comprehend. But fear not, because when we know how, we can live with our horses kindly and compassionately, transforming the way we connect with them. With +R or clicker training and positive reinforcement we can make their behavior and our experiences much more fun and predictable! (think...My Journey from Conventional to +R Horse Training/Clicker Training Horses - a Confession!
My husband, a horseman and ever the voice of wisdom, reminded me I didnāt learn how to train horses conventionally over night, and that I had been feeling on top of the world with results I experienced using +R training the day before.Ā Humans, how quickly we forget the good stuff.
That was years ago...
Fast forward to now,Ā Iām just blown away by the messages I receive from clients thanking me for changing their ...
Create Connection with Obstacles: Using +R to Gain Confidence and have Fun!
Obstacles aren't just for DE spookingā¦
Under Saddle or In Hand - Obstacle training done well can build connection, confidence and resilience!Ā
The techniques I guide you through during +R Obstacle related clinics, online lessons/coaching and courses are sure to foster your horseās curiosity and produce results that youāll both enjoy for a long time to come.Ā
Research proves that horses with greater resilience tend to be happier, less apt to be triggered and spook. And they have less intense responses than non-resilient horses. Whether you are a clicker trainer or conventional horse person, there will be lots for you and your horse to learn and enjoy, and youāll have the benefit of expert guidance to ensure the best possible experience.
If you engage in these activities with me you will:
- Get instant feedback by having a measurable objective for you andĀ your horse
- Hone communication and understanding between yourself andĀ your horse
- Strengthen your connection with your horse
...